At Alton Pain Clinic, we specialise in ultrasound-guided facet joint injections to diagnose and treat pain arising from the small joints in the spine. If you’ve been told you may need a facet joint injection, understanding what it contains and how it works can help you feel more informed and reassured.
What Are Facet Joints?
Facet joints are small paired joints located at the back of your spine. They help with:
- Supporting spinal movement
- Allowing you to bend and twist
- Maintaining stability between vertebrae
Over time, these joints can become irritated or inflamed due to:
- Wear and tear (osteoarthritis)
- Injury or trauma
- Poor posture or repetitive strain
- Age-related degeneration
When this happens, they can cause localised back or neck pain, sometimes radiating into the shoulders, buttocks, or thighs depending on the level of the spine affected.
What Is In a Facet Joint Injection?
A facet joint injection typically contains two key components:
1. Local Anaesthetic
This provides short-term pain relief by numbing the area around the facet joint. It helps confirm whether the joint is the source of pain.
2. Corticosteroid (Anti-inflammatory medication)
This reduces inflammation inside the joint, helping to provide longer-lasting pain relief over weeks or months.
Why Ultrasound Guidance Matters
At Alton Pain Clinic, we perform all facet joint injections using ultrasound guidance, which allows real-time visualisation of the surrounding tissues.
This approach helps:
- Improve accuracy of injection placement
- Avoid nearby nerves and blood vessels
- Reduce discomfort during the procedure
- Enhance safety and precision
Unlike blind injections, ultrasound guidance ensures the medication is delivered exactly where it is needed.
What Happens During the Procedure?
A typical ultrasound-guided facet joint injection includes:
- Assessment and marking the area
- Cleaning and sterilising the skin
- Local anaesthetic to numb the skin
- Ultrasound-guided needle placement
- Injection of anaesthetic and steroid mixture
The procedure is usually quick, often taking around 15–30 minutes.
What Conditions Can It Help?
Facet joint injections are commonly used for:
- Chronic lower back pain
- Neck pain (cervical facet pain)
- Spinal arthritis
- Pain after injury or strain
- Facet joint syndrome
They are both diagnostic and therapeutic, meaning they can help confirm the source of pain while also providing relief.
How Long Does Relief Last?
Pain relief varies depending on the individual. Some patients experience:
- Immediate relief from the local anaesthetic
- Longer-term improvement over several weeks from the steroid
Are There Any Risks?
Facet joint injections are generally considered safe, especially when performed under ultrasound guidance. However, as with any procedure, there are small risks, including:
- Temporary soreness at the injection site
- Mild bruising
- Short-lived increase in pain
- Rare infection or allergic reaction
Your clinician will always discuss risks with you before treatment.
Why Choose Alton Pain Clinic?
At Alton Pain Clinic, we focus on:
- Ultrasound-guided precision injections
- Evidence-based pain management
- Minimally invasive treatment options
- Individualised care plans
Our aim is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and help you return to your normal activities as quickly as possible.
When to Seek Medical Advice
You should seek medical assessment if:
- pain continues despite injection
- symptoms worsen
- swelling or redness develops
- numbness or weakness occurs
- pain significantly interferes with daily activities
This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you are experiencing persistent symptoms, please consult a qualified clinician.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in a facet joint injection?
A facet joint injection contains a combination of a local anaesthetic (to numb the area and provide immediate pain relief) and a corticosteroid (to reduce inflammation and provide longer-lasting relief).
Are facet joint injections painful?
Most patients experience only mild discomfort. A local anaesthetic is used to numb the skin and deeper tissues before the injection. At Alton Pain Clinic, ultrasound guidance is used to improve precision and reduce discomfort.
How long does a facet joint injection take?
The procedure usually takes around 15–30 minutes, including preparation and ultrasound-guided injection.
How soon will I feel relief?
Some patients feel immediate relief from the local anaesthetic. However, the steroid medication may take a few days up to 2 weeks to provide its full effect.